Funa Benkei (Benkei in a Boat)

by Toshihide (1863 - 1925)

Current Status

Funa Benkei (Benkei in a Boat) by Toshihide (1863 - 1925)

Original Toshihide (1863 - 1925) Japanese Woodblock Print
Funa Benkei (Benkei in a Boat)

Series; Eighteen Honorable Acts

Funa Benkei (Benkei in a Boat) - Terrific illustration of the Noh play titled "Funa-Benkei" (Benkei in a Boat), a drama about Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his loyal retainer, warrior monk Benkei. After Yoshitsune and the Minamoto forces defeated the Taira at the naval battle of Dan-no-ura, the Taira commander Tomomori committed suicide by tying himself to an anchor and leaping into the sea. Later, when Benkei and Yoshitsune are sailing through Daimotsu Bay, a huge storm arises, caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira. Here, the spirit of Taira no Tomomori rises from his watery grave, gripping a naginata and dancing about, his long hair falling over his shoulders and back. His skin is pale blue, a sign of his otherworldliness, and he wears a white tunic with silver mica medallions over full pants with a design of splashing waves in silver mica. In the boat, Benkei clasps a string of prayer beads between his hands, praying for the safety of his companions. His entreaties are heard, and the fearful Taira ghosts disappear beneath the sea. A fantastic image from this popular tale, beautifully detailed with fine embossing on the white pants of the samurai at upper right and a silver mica in the pattern on Benkei's tunic.

Artist - Toshihide (1863 - 1925)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 18 3/8" + right margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. Some prints have slight separation at ends of vertical centerfold, repaired, or a couple creases at edges. Please see photos for details.

Funa Benkei (Benkei in a Boat) by Toshihide (1863 - 1925)
Funa Benkei (Benkei in a Boat) by Toshihide (1863 - 1925)

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